"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Sunday, August 23, 2009

HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hate it when I am following blogs and they don't update when they get home for what seems like forever. Sooooo, I thought I would get on here really quick to let everyone know that we have made it home safe and sound. We could not have asked for better travel with Isabella. She slept 10 of the 13 hours from Shanghai to Detroit and then napped briefly on the flight from Detroit to Cincinnati. Michael and I did not sleep much, but have been trying to catch up since we have been home. I don't have any pictures to post yet, but will post a bunch as soon as I can get them all together. We were so surprised and so blessed to have so many family and friends to welcome us home at the airport. It was truly a blessing to have such a celebration. And it was SO GOOD to see our boys again!!!!!!!!! They have been awesome with Bella and she has loved exploring the house and getting to know her surroundings. We haven't made it in the pool yet because it was so cool yesterday, but she loves being outside on the deck and to also play on the swingset.She slept in her own bed in her room by herself the first night from 9 pm until 6:45 am. We could not have asked for anything more and she slept in her bed all night again last night. We are soooo happy for this because that has meant sleep for us. We are all feeling the jet lag, but at least we are getting some rest. We thank everyone for their prayers, love, gifts, and food as we have arrived home. We are so blessed to have her and so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.

The Fam

Welcome

Welcome to our blog. We are the Garland family. Michael, Heather, Aidan (12), Keenan (9), Isabella (8) and Eli (3). We brought Isabella home in August of 2009, and Eli home in February 2013. We hope you enjoy our journey as a family of 6!

Aidan

Keenan

Bella

Eli

Our four blessings

Timeline

February 15: Apply to CCAI;
February 16: Apply to FAC (homestudy agency);
May 24: Received Final Homestudy;
May 25: Sent I800A application to USCIS;
July 11: USCIS Approval;
July 20: DTC;
July 24: LID;
August 9: LOI submitted to China, Eli's file locked!!;
August 17: Pre-approval from China;
September 19: Out of Translation;
November 1: LOA;
November 21: USCIS Provisional 800 Approval;
December 18: Article 5 issued;
January 9: Travel Approval!;
January 21: Eli in our arms forever!!